Image: MomJunction Design Team
Smooth and shiny jet black hair is something many desire to have. Whether you have graying hair or natural non-black hair, if you want to dye it black, you should get the best black hair dyes. Read on as we have listed some amazing expert-recommended black hair dye products that can fulfill your wish of having black hair and provide visible results. We also give you a few tips on choosing the right product that is safe, answer some common questions, and present you an infographic with tips on how to dye your hair.
Top Picks
15 Best Black Hair Dyes
1. Best Ammonia-Free:Garnier Olia Soft Black Hair Dye
The Garnier Olia ammonia-free black hair dye is a blend of natural oils, including avocado, olive, and shea. The non-drip creamy formula makes it easy to use and is suitable for root touch-ups. This expert-recommended soft black hair color shade is formulated to make your hair healthier and offer color enhancement. Watch this product testing video to learn about a reviewer’s take on the hair dye.
Pros
- Softens hair
- Fade-resistant
- Smoothes hair texture
- Textured hair-friendly
- 100% gray coverage
- No harsh smell
Cons
- May dry out hair
- Contains ethanolamine
"I use this dye for everything from covering my grays to experimenting with different looks. The shade it bestows is slightly different than advertised, but it compliments my skin tone. Additionally, the option to mix it with other dyes for a customized hue is a major perk."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 12,685 buyers on Amazon have said the product lives up to the hype.
Did You Know?2. Best Plant-Based:Naturtint Permanent Ebony Black Hair Color
The permanent hair color in Ebony Black will give your hair a vibrant color and deep hydration. Enriched with plant-based ingredients, such as oleic acid derived from olives and meadowfoam seed oil, the color nourishes your hair to make it shinier. This expert-recommended dye is long-lasting and offers 100% gray coverage.
Pros
- Ammonia- and paraben-free
- Vegan-friendly
- Dermatologically tested
- Cruelty-free black hair dye
Cons
- May cause allergic reaction in some
- Contains PPD
"I switched to this hair color a few months ago and never looked back. It's gentle on my scalp and straightforward to use–perfect for solo hair-dying sessions. While its coverage for my grays is slightly inconsistent, it leaves my hair soft, and the vibrant hue easily lasts over a month."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 5,985 satisfied customers on Amazon have said good things about the product.
3. Best Paraben-Free:Clairol Natural Instincts Brown Black
The Clairol hair color is one of the gentlest colors on the scalp. It is made from around 80% naturally derived ingredients. Aloe vera and coconut oil in the hair color nourish your hair. The semi-permanent dye lasts up to 28 washes and is suitable for all hair types and textures to get a brilliant black color. Here’s a brief product testing video to let you make the most out of this professional-grade product.
Pros
- Ammonia- and paraben-free
- Long-lasting color
- Makes hair shiny
Cons
- May dry out the hair
"Its ammonia-free formulation is what pushed me to get it. Besides, it offers decent coverage that lasts through multiple washes. However, I recommend keeping the dye slightly longer than instructed to gain a deeper shade."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has earned its stripes, with over 3,459 reviews on Amazon.
Garnier Olia Soft Black Hair Dye Best Ammonia-Free | Naturtint Permanent Ebony Black Hair Color Best Plant-Based | Clairol Natural Instincts Brown Black Best Paraben-Free | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | 2 | Ebony Black | 3 Brown Black |
| Dimensions | 2.75 x 3.5 x 6.5 inches | 3.25 x 2.2 x 6.75 inches | 7.11 x 3.59 x 6.35 inches |
| Weight | 7.76 Ounces | 0.01 Ounces | 1.54 Pounds |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 12,685 | 5,985 | 3,459 |
| Price | $8.97 | $74.99 | $22.71 |
4. Best Long-Lasting:Schwarzkopf Keratin Color Permanent Black
The keratin color with K-Bond-Plex technology and Pre-Color Serum will leave your hair healthy and strong. Powered with cutting-edge anti-breakage technology, your hair will suffer less breakage versus untreated hair. It will also evenly color your hair from roots the tip. Not sure if this is the right fit for you? Check out this product testing video to understand how the hair dye works.
Pros
- Long-lasting, deep black hair color
- Repairs inner hair structure
- Gentle fragrance
Cons
- Does not wash out quickly
- May dry out the hair
"Besides delivering a deep black hue, this dye rejuvenates my hair strands. Its smell can feel intense initially but goes away on the first wash. Plus, the sachet of serum and conditioner is a thoughtful touch."
5. Best Gray Coverage:SoftSheen-Carson Dark and Lovely
The intense hair color delivers perfectly balanced visible results on dark hair. It is an ultra-conditioning dark color infused with olive oil that will nourish your hair. The anti-drying cream-gel with color and shine boosters is suitable for all hair types and styles.
Pros
- 100% gray coverage
- Softens hair
- Makes hair shiny
Cons
- Might cause allergy in some
"After trying this hair dye, I found it quite satisfactory for my needs. It is easy to apply and a lot less messy than some alternatives. It took me a few tries to get even coverage on my thick hair strands, but it delivers a lovely sheen while making my hair more manageable."
Remember6. Best Easy-To-Use:Bigen Natural Black Hair Color
Bigen hair color is made using gentler ingredients, such as honey, beeswax, and sunflower. The oil-rich formula of this natural color leaves your hair shinier and softer. You can mix the powder with tap water, where the water will act as a solvent. The hair color is also simple and easy to use.
Pros
- 100% gray coverage
- Ammonia- and peroxide-free
- Long-lasting
- Does not damage the hair
Cons
- May dry out the hair
- May make hair brittle
"I've tried multiple hair dyes, but none have been as gentle as this one. The nozzle-equipped bottle also makes it a breeze to apply, and the color, though vibrant, causes minimal scalp staining. Its results aren't dramatic, but it covers the grays evenly."
7. Best With Aloe Vera: Kiss Tintation Semi-Permanent Hair Color
If you are looking for a sulfate-free black hair dye that conditions and nourishes your hair while providing a rich, semi-permanent dye, Tintation by Kiss might be a perfect choice. It’s infused with the goodness of amino acids and enzymes extracted from aloe vera to help soothe and nourish the scalp.
Pros
- Enriched with argan oil, keratin, and collagen
- ph-balanced formula
- Textured hair-friendly
- Adds brilliant shine
- Free of ammonia and peroxide
Cons
- Color may fade faster than expected
- Some may not like the smell
"While it does require a double application to get a more vibrant hue, it's easy to apply, and I like its pleasant scent. The budget-friendly price is a boon. Also, I've noticed that the color lasts longer when I use a color-safe shampoo instead of a traditional one."
8. Best Alcohol-Free:Adore Jet Black
Adore hair color is semi-permanent and will give your hair a beautiful feel and look. The herbal black semi-permanent hair dye is alcohol-free and enriched with a blend of herbal elements, such as aloe vera, vitamin E, and argan oil to leave you with tender and silky hair.
Pros
- Ammonia- and peroxide-free
- Not tested on animals
- No foul odor
- Does not stain
Cons
- Not long-lasting
- Does not work well on unbleached hair
"This hair dye makes my hair pop and goes well with other colors. Applying it is a breeze, but it may cause some staining on exposed skin. Still, the color payoff is remarkable, and the alcohol-free formulation keeps my strands from drying out."
Point To Consider9. Best Eco-Friendly:Herbatint Permanent Hair Color Gel
The permanent hair color is made from eight certified pure and organic herbal extracts to nourish and protect the scalp and hair. The shades in the natural series will create a natural and even color on all hair types. This paraben-free shade of black is made from gluten-free and non-GMO ingredients.
Pros
- Eco-friendly black gel hair dye
- Cruelty-free
- Odorless formula
- Long-lasting
- Offers natural black color
Cons
- May dry out the hair
"The lack of harsh chemicals and fumes has been a boon for my senses and scalp health. It makes my hair a little try, but following up with the included conditioner resolves this issue. Overall, it evenly covers the grays by delivering a vibrant black hue."
10. Best Non-Allergic:Herb Speedy Natural Black Hair Dye
The semi-permanent black hair dye lasts up to 25 hair washes. It is powered with a ten-minute revolutionary speedy color cream formula. The PPD-free black hair dye is safe for people with sensitive scalp, enabling them to get that vibrant black hair shade. The color also protects hair from damage due to repeated UV exposure.
Pros
- Non-allergic
- Easy to apply
- Excellent gray coverage
Cons
- May give a chemical smell
- May stain
"After numerous trials with different hair dyes, I discovered this gentle one. It doesn’t trigger my allergies and offers substantial gray coverage. It does make the hair slightly dry; however, post-wash treatment with oils and conditioners made it manageable."
11. Best Gluten-Free:Manic Panic Raven Black Hair Dye
It is a cool black hair dye that comes with blue undertones and works well on pre-lightened hair and virgin unbleached hair. The semi-permanent hair dye lasts for four to six weeks as it does not penetrate the cortex of your hair. This vegan black hair dye is not tested on animals.
Pros
- Peta-accredited
- Ammonia- and paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Ready-to-use hair dye
Cons
- Does not wash out quickly
- May stain
"This black dye delivers a striking hue to my hair and is relatively kinder than traditional dyes. While it works great for covering my gray strands, it bleeds–especially during the first few washes. Still, it has become my preferred option as it outperforms various brands in longevity."
12. Best Organic:Iroiro Natural Premium Hair Color
Premium semi-permanent natural hair color by Iroiro is vegan and gluten-free. Made from 100% organic coconut oil and natural yuzu-cranberry fragrance, the color conditions your hair. The organic black hair dye comes in an easy-to-use and tamper-proof pouch with cap.
Pros
- Eco-friendly
- Ammonia- and paraben-free
- Contains no toxic and synthetic preservatives
Cons
- May stain
"This hair dye leaves a vibrant color on my stands when it's pre-bleached. The hue also stays long, and the pleasant scent is a bonus. Moreover, its tube-style packaging makes the application process mess-free."
13. Best Nourishing: Smart Beauty Black Hair Dye Permanent
Smart Beauty’s permanent black hair dye is formulated with plex anti-breakage technology, which helps maintain the hair’s health and growth. This nourishing hair color also protects, rebuilds, and restores the hair’s natural structure. The professional-grade dye has a creamy texture that delivers a salon-quality deep jet-black color and is suitable for all hair types.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Non-drip formula
- Vegan formula
- Not tested on animals
- Free of mineral oils and parabens
- Provides visible results
Cons
- May not be long-lasting
- May stain the skin
"I recently tried out the Colour-Plex hair dye, and it offered a stunning, rich hue that enhanced the vibrancy of my hair. While it does stain my gloves, it left my hair feeling softer. The lack of conditioner sachets was a letdown, but that does not alter the dye's effectiveness."
14. Best Effective:Kangana Black Henna Powder
The henna black hair dye powder is a natural remedy for gray hair. It is enriched with effective natural ingredients, such as amla, aloe vera, hibiscus, and shikakai. These ingredients fight against dandruff, hair fall, and gray hair, leaving you with shiny and soft hair.
Pros
- Ammonia-free
- Long-lasting
- 100% gray coverage
- Suitable for men and women
Cons
- May stain
- May dry out the hair
"While the effectiveness of this hair color varies in covering grays, it delivers a natural look, and the lack of chemicals is much appreciated. It makes my hair shiny like no other dye; hence, I've stuck with it despite the messy application process."
15. Best Gentle:Just 5 Jet Black Hair Color
The permanent hair color lasts up to six weeks after application. It is a non-drip easy to use formula, perfect for getting a makeover from the comfort of your home. It also offers 100% gray coverage. The replenishing hair conditioners in the hair color will protect your hair and keep them nourished.
Pros
- Softens hair
- Works quickly
- Gentle formula
Cons
- May dry out the hair
- May cause hair fall
How To Choose The Right Black Hair Dye?
Here are some factors to keep in mind while buying a black hair dye.
- Type of hair dye: There are varying hair dyes; demi-permanent, semi-permanent, and permanent hair colors that you may choose based on your requirement. Also consider your base hair color while choosing the type of hair dye.
- Natural ingredients: They will keep your hair protected and free from damage. Choose a hair color without toxic elements, such as parabens and ammonia, that will damage the hair and scalp.
- Consistency: Choose the right consistency, either cream, powder, or liquid. The cream-based hair dyes are generally easier to use.
- Long-lasting: Look for fade-resistant and wash-proof dyes as they last longer.
- Strong color: A hair color with stronger color pigment will offer higher gray coverage.
- Dermatologist-tested: Regardless of whether you have sensitive skin or not, try to choose dermatologically tested hair colors. Also, perform a patch test before using any hair color.
, a professional hairdresser and hair colorist, says, “Carefully review your choice before using black hair dye because it can be hard to remove. However, if you are looking for low-maintenance hair and fast results, it is the one for you. The dye you choose should also match your skin shade, eye color, etc.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does black hair dye damage hair?
Dying your hair dark causes less damage to hair than lightening it. The dark hair dyes do not absorb into the hair cuticles but make the hair coarse and brittle. At times, a black hair dye also helps mask the already-damaged hair by filling the damaged shafts. However, the chemicals used in the hair may cause damage to hair depending on how strong the formula is.
2. How can I dye my hair black without bleaching it?
Black hair dye doesn’t require you to bleach the hair. Bleaching is a process associated with hair lightening.
3. Is dying hair black healthy?
Any hair product containing artificial ingredients may not be healthy, which applies to hair dyes too. Black hair dyes are healthier than hair lightening but are not totally safe for hair.
4. Can I permanently dye my hair black?
Permanent black hair dyes are formulated to deliver long-lasting and fade-resistant color but cannot permanently dye your hair black.
5. Why does my black hair dye fade so fast?
Temporary black hair dyes last only a few washes, and the frequency of shampooing will affect the staying period. The more you wash, the faster the temporary hair color fades from your hair.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag’s articles are well-researched and contain all necessary information for those who want to buy the best black hair dyes. Her passion for skincare, hair care, and fashion ensures the latest products and detailed information. These black hair dyes are a blessing for those who are looking forward to choosing one. The writer has gone through the products and user reviews in detail to ensure that they are best suited for you.
The Bottom Line
Finding the right black hair dye can help you look youthful even as your hair starts to turn gray. With options such as semi-permanent and permanent colors, you can choose a color that either lets you experiment for a short while or stays intact for longer periods to save you the hassle of recoloring the hair. Our top picks include the Naturtint Permanent Ebony Black Hair Color, a plant-based option, and the Just 5 Jet Black Hair Color, a gentle, non-drip hair coloring solution. The Schwarzkopf Keratin Color Permanent Black stands out for its intense repair technology. Choosing a black hair dye that is free of chemicals and harsh fragrance is crucial, and you may also choose one that has the right consistency and is dermatologist-tested.
Infographic: How To Use A Hair Dye Effectively?
Hair dyes are a popular means of transforming hair color, allowing individuals to express their unique style or cover grays for a refreshed, natural look. However, incorrect hair color application can result in poor hair color and frizz. Refer to the infographic below to learn how to avoid these side effects when dyeing your hair.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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